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NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Equity One, Inc. (NYSE:EQY), an owner, developer, and operator of shopping centers, announced that it has closed on its previously announced sale of 36 shopping centers, comprising approximately 3.9 million square feet, for $473.1 million to Blackstone Real Estate Partners VII.

"The sale of this portfolio is a significant milestone in our strategic plan as we execute on our capital recycling efforts"

The shopping centers sold in this transaction are predominately located in the Atlanta, Tampa and Orlando markets, with additional properties located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and Maryland.

Proceeds from this transaction will be used to reduce debt, to fund redevelopment and development projects, for future acquisitions and other corporate purposes.

aThe sale of this portfolio is a significant milestone in our strategic plan as we execute on our capital recycling efforts,a said Jeff Olson, Chief Executive Officer. aWe are pleased with the progress we made during the year to dispose of non-strategic assets and to redeploy proceeds into our core target markets including New York, Boston, Miami, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.a

ABOUT EQUITY ONE, INC.

As of September 30, 2011, Equity One owned or had interests in 199 properties, consisting of 176 shopping centers comprising approximately 20.7 million square feet, eight development or redevelopment properties, eight non-retail properties, and seven land parcels. Additionally, Equity One had joint venture interests in 16 shopping centers and two office buildings totaling approximately 2.7 million square feet.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain matters discussed by Equity One in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Although Equity One believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that these expectations will be achieved. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include changes in macro-economic conditions and the demand for retail space in the states in which Equity One owns properties; the continuing financial success of Equity Oneas current and prospective tenants; the risks that Equity One may not be able to proceed with or obtain necessary approvals for development or redevelopment projects or that it may take more time to complete such projects or incur costs greater than anticipated; the availability of properties for acquisition; the extent to which continuing supply constraints occur in geographic markets where Equity One owns properties; the success of its efforts to lease up vacant space; the effects of natural and other disasters; the ability of Equity One to successfully integrate the operations and systems of acquired companies and properties; changes in Equity Oneas credit ratings; and other risks, which are described in Equity Oneas filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.